DBU Awarded Mabee Foundation Challenge Grant for Carter School of Business

Dallas Baptist University is honored to announce that it has received a challenge grant from the J.E. & L.E. Mabee Foundation, providing significant momentum for the construction of the new Don and Linda Carter School of Business building. In addition to this generous investment, the Mabee Foundation was recently honored with the 2025 Tom Landry Leadership Award at DBU's 38th Annual Leadership Gala, recognizing its decades of faithful support and lasting impact on Christian higher education.

Through this challenge grant, the Mabee Foundation has committed a $2 million gift to the project, which will be awarded once DBU successfully raises the remaining $8 million in philanthropic support by July 2026. Meeting this goal will raise the $53 million needed to fully fund the construction of this transformational new facility, as part of DBU's $60 million STAND FIRM. STAND OUT. capital campaign.

The Mabee challenge grant plays a pivotal role in advancing the STAND FIRM. STAND OUT. capital campaign, a bold initiative to expand DBU's capacity to develop Christ-centered servant leaders prepared to excel in today's complex business world.

"We have a bold vision to build a great University pleasing to God," said Dr. Adam C. Wright, President of Dallas Baptist University. "Building the Carter School of Business positions DBU to make a lasting impact by producing Christ-centered servant leaders for the marketplace and beyond. We are incredibly thankful for the Mabee Foundation's investment and encouragement through this challenge." 

The Mabee Foundation has been a steadfast partner with DBU for over 30 years, supporting numerous campus projects including the John G. Mahler Student Center, Spence Hall Women's Dormitory, Pilgrim Chapel, and Jim and Sally Nation Hall. Founded in 1948 by John and Lottie Mabee, the Foundation supports religious, charitable, and educational organizations across Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas. Their challenge grants encourage widespread community support while helping organizations complete key capital projects in a timely manner. 

The new Carter School of Business facility will serve as a vibrant hub for innovation, collaboration, and academic excellence. Designed to foster both spiritual and professional growth, the space will feature modern classrooms, group study areas, faculty offices, and gathering venues for student and community engagement. 

"This is a defining moment for our University," said Ryan Hefton, Vice President for Advancement at DBU. "The STAND FIRM. STAND OUT. campaign is more than a construction effort; it's a commitment to the next generation of business leaders. The Mabee Challenge gives us a powerful opportunity to unite around that vision. Every donor who joins us helps turn this vision into reality." 

The Mabee Foundation Challenge Grant invites DBU alumni, families, and friends to make designated gifts or pledges toward the Carter School of Business project. Only gifts explicitly designated for this project will count toward the challenge. All contributions must be made by July 8, 2026, to unlock the full grant. 

Together, through the generosity of the DBU Family and the faithfulness of partners like the Mabee Foundation, we believe the vision of the Carter School of Business will become a reality, one that will prepare generations of business leaders to stand firm and stand out. 

For more information or to support the STAND FIRM. STAND OUT. campaign, please visit the STAND FIRM. STAND OUT. website.